Important Tips for Safely Removing Something Stuck in Your Gums

Posted December 16, 2016.

It’s relatively common to get something stuck between your teeth. In most cases, it will work itself out on its own. There are also some rare occasions when something like a tough meat fiber, popcorn hull or seed can get uncomfortably and stubbornly stuck in your gumline.

In a situation like this, your dentist, Dr. Yelena Mullakandova, offers these key insights to help you safely remove a piece of food stuck between your teeth.

You should never attempt to use toothpicks or sharp, pointed tools to pry the object loose. This could injure your gums or even damage your teeth.

Waxed dental floss is the first thing you should reach for to try to remove an object that is stuck in the gum line. The waxy coating allows the strand to slide easier between teeth to work around the foreign object. You should never force the floss into place as it could seriously injure your gums.

Sometimes a Waterpik or oral irrigator can provide a stream of water strong enough to wash it loose. This might be enough to loosen it further from your gums.

If you are struggling to clear any object stuck between your gumline, you can always call 718.821.0170 to have it professionally removed at Boutique Dental, P.C.. Your dentist in Glendale, New York, is happy to help you!